So, what exactly is the Cure, you ask? It's essentially a stripped down Z-Lux combo, with a few changes to the power section. It's in a smaller, lighter 1x12 Studio Combo (same size as the standard Maz 8) with a 15 watt power section and no tremolo or reverb. The Cure is also tube rectified as opposed to the Z-Lux being solid state rectified. Some have nicknamed the Cure as a "Z-Lux Jr", but with the Triad Magnetics output transformer and tube rectification, we would be more inclined to call it the Z-Lux's "tweedy nephew." Much like a Z-Lux, but the resulting tones are a little more tweed than blackface.

Of course, all this begs the question: How is he doing this amp for $1399?

On any other day, this combo would sell for around $1800. This amp is somewhat similar in build to a Maz 18NR Studio Combo. Not exactly, of course, but somewhat. Different power section, different speaker, but similar controls and circuitry. No corners are being cut in the build quality, so how is he doing it?

There's several answers. First, as mentioned above, this price is an introductory price. It's selling for less than normal to get the word out. Secondly, he's pulling the old Henry Ford on us. "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black." Instead of Blonde, Red, and lovely Surf Green, it's only going to come one way. Black with a ZW grill with one choice for speaker. It also only comes in one size, the studio combo 1x12. No 2x10, 2x12, head, or anything else. Just one color, one size, and no variants. He doesn't have to order all cabs in all color configurations for his warehouse. Just keeping it simple to keep costs down. They still have the top shelf transformers, all aluminum chassis, quality components, handwired boards, etc. He's just streamlining it to keep cost down.

Cure Description

The CURE uses Dr. Z's award-winning Z-LUX as it’s starting point, but it simplifies the formula, forgoing reverb and tremolo, yet retains the rich 6V6 American voiced tone the Z-LUX is renowned for. At the heart and soul of the CURE is a vintage-voiced output transformer hand-wound by Triad Magnetics, the company responsible for the transformers in the classic tweed amps of the 1950s. The CURE also features an effects loop, a full EQ with master volume, as well as a global output level control (more on this below). It is housed in Z's compact, light-weight, yet resonant 1×12 Studio cab with Dr. Z's specially designed Eminence Z12 speaker (same as the one in the Z-Lux combo) for maximum portability. Also included is a Variable Boost footswitch for additional gain to take your lead playing over the top.